While other teens are still sleeping, Annie is up at 4 a.m. for an hour and fifty minute practice. Then, after a full day of classes, she returns to the pool for a three hour practice. Arriving home in early evening, she has dinner before tackling homework. Finally, it’s bedtime. But at 4 a.m. it’s time to do it all again.

Annie’s swimming career began as a baby. By age six she was swimming competitively. She currently swims with the Boulder Poseidons swim team and practices at Angel Pines Country Club.

Her enthusiasm for swimming is shared with her parents, Kay and Roger Aitchison, who are both swimmers. She has a large cheering section of her own from her five brothers and sisters and credits her mother and swimming coach as having the biggest influence on her desire to swim competitively.

Annie had the opportunity to compete in the Olympic trials in Indianapolis, Indiana this past summer. She placed ninth in the Women’s Individual Medley and 11th in the Women’s 800-Meter Freestyle. She also placed second in the 5K Nationals, which gives her a place on the World Championship team. 

When asked about her impression of competing at this level, she described the trials as being "stressful but a great experience with a lot of positive energy."

Annie’s future plans are to keep swimming competitively and to try out for the 2004 Olympics. Watching the United States swim team win the Olympic gold medal in the 4x100 relay recently, Annie can dream of one day sharing in such a triumph.  

With her determination and desire to work hard, along with her good luck charms, a stuffed seal and bear and a tape that she listens to before every competition, Annie has what it takes to succeed. Her advice to other aspiring swimmers? "Even if you don’t have any talent, stick with it!"